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      New Honda Monkey 125cc Lightning Launch Price THB 109k (Rs 2.6 L)

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      New Honda Monkey 125cc Lightning EditionHonda sells a number of small bikes and scooters, with Monkey being one of the most likeable and practicalHonda Monkey 125cc bike is quite popular in Japan and several international markets as well. In Thailand, Honda has launched a new Lightning edition. This is primarily a visually upgraded version, featuring a new colour scheme and other cosmetic touch-ups.With its exclusive profile, Honda Monkey Lightning edition commands premium pricing. It is available at a starting price of TBH 108,900, which is approximately Rs 2.59 lakh. In comparison, the standard Monkey variant costs THB 99,700 (approx. Rs 2.38 lakh). Honda also offers Monkey Easter Egg edition, priced at THB 109,900 (approx. Rs 2.62 lakh).New Honda Monkey 125cc Lightning EditionHonda Monkey Lightning edition featuresOne of the key highlights of Honda Monkey Lightning edition is the bright yellow colour shade in glossy finish. The unique ways in which the yellow shade is applied across the bike is another major draw. The yellow bits seem to have been applied in a random fashion. But still, the bike comes across as absolutely stunning and adorable. It’s probably the genius of Monkey’s design that allows it to retain its magic in any shade one throws at it.Monkey Lightning edition has the yellow shade on the USD forks, fuel tank, side panels, swingarm and twin rear shock absorbers. What makes the bike even more alluring is the liberal use of chrome. Front and rear fenders, headlamp, instrument console, brake and clutch levers, turn indicators and rear tail lamp are all done in chrome.New Honda Monkey 125cc Lightning EditionAnother interesting update is the checkered seat with quilted pattern. Stickering work on the fuel tank and side panels is also commendable. These have a contrasting shade and complement the bike’s overall look and feel.In terms of hardware, Honda Monkey Lightning edition is largely the same as other variants. It is powered by a 125cc engine that generates 9.2 bhp of max power and 11 Nm of peak torque. While earlier Monkey had a 4-speed gearbox, the current version comes with a 5-speed gearbox. Rated fuel efficiency under test conditions is 70.5 kmpl.Honda Monkey has disc brakes at both ends, with ABS at front. Fuel tank capacity of 5.6 litres seems adequate for urban commutes. Monkey also has capabilities to take on off-road tracks, as evident with the raised front fender and block pattern tyres.Honda Monkey India launch prospectsWhile Honda Monkey seems to have potential for Indian market as well, it is unlikely that it will be launched here anytime soon. The experience with Navi could be a factor in not introducing the Monkey in India. However, Monkey has a completely distinct and adorable profile in comparison to Navi. Enthusiasts around the world are enjoying the unique riding experience made possible by Monkey. One can only hope that Monkey makes it to our shores as well. More

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      New Hero Karizma Launch Teaser Out – Date Is 29th Aug 2023

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      New Hero Karizma Launch TeaserIn its resurrected avatar, Hero Karizma will have premium features such as dual-channel ABS and liquid coolingIndia’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp is looking beyond its stronghold of commuter bikes. The company had recently showcased the reborn Karizma at a dealer event. Teasers are out now and the bike is scheduled to be launched on 29th Aug 2023.This is the era of resurrected bikes, with names like Jawa and Yezdi already gaining decent fan following. Something similar is being planned in case of Karizma. In its heyday, the original 223cc Karizma was a true delight for enthusiasts owing to its peppy performance.New Karizma to return2023 Hero Karizma styling and featuresNew Karizma utilizes a unified, single-layer side fairing that extends all the way to the headlamp. The panels have a chiselled profile and unique design, unlike any other Hero bike currently in production. The side fairing only covers a small section of the engine assembly, keeping much of the machine parts exposed. It makes it easy to get an idea about the bike’s new engine.With youngsters one of the main target audience, new Hero Karizma is expected to get some exciting colour options. There could be monotone as well as dual-tone colour options on offer. The one unveiled at the dealer event had a bright glossy red paint job. An interplay of other colours was noticeable as well such as the white graphics on the fairing and brass-coloured engine casing.[embedded content]Other key highlights of upcoming Hero Karizma include blacked-out alloy wheels, step-up seat design, sculpted fuel tank and stubby upswept exhaust. Foot pegs are slightly rear set, which can allow for a committed riding stance. The handlebar is ergonomically placed for optimal comfort and control. The fuel tank has grooves to ensure a snug fit for the knees. Scooped rider seat design ensures agile handling and effortless cornering at high speeds.2023 Hero Karizma ZMR2023 Hero Karizma performanceNew Karizma is expected to get a 210cc engine. It could deliver around 25 bhp of max power and 25 Nm of peak torque. This closely matches performance numbers of rivals such as Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and Bajaj Pulsar RS200. It is possible that this new engine will eventually be made available with Xpulse as well. For reference, the original Karizma produced 20 hp.New Karizma will have a liquid-cooled setup, a first for a Hero motorcycle. The engine is expected to get a 6-speed gearbox that will ensure efficient highway cruising as well as fuel savings. New Karizma is expected to get dual-channel ABS. However, as Hero will also be focusing on affordability, Karizma won’t be getting features like USD front forks.Expected features include Bluetooth-based connectivity functions, fully digital instrument console, LED lighting, real-time fuel efficiency indicator and turn-by-turn navigation. New Hero Karizma could be launched in the price range of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh, ex-sh. More

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      EVs Edge Out Diesels for the First Time in Europe

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      Sales of EVs surpass sales of diesel models for the first time in Europe, with battery-electrics holding a 15.1 percent share of the market while diesels hold 13.4 percent. Plug-in hybrids have seen gains and losses over time in different European countries but hold a 7.9 percent market share on the continent overall.The Tesla Model Y (pictured above outside Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg) has been Europe’s biggest-selling model in any vehicle category in the first six months of 2023.Diesel cars have been popular in Europe for decades, where gasoline prices have traditionally been rather high compared to many other regions. Finding a small and inexpensive hatch in Europe that isn’t diesel has been a tall order for some time, and the same went for large sedans, especially in the UK. Even the Volkswagen diesel crisis that affected a number of brands had scarcely tempered the car buying public’s appetite for diesels in some individual markets.ACEABut for the first time ever, sales of new battery-electric models in the European Union have edged out those of diesel models, with June 2023 data showing 15.1 percent market share for BEVs, according to data published by Europe’s auto manufacturer association, ACEA. That’s a gain of 66.2 percent compared to the same month in 2022, when BEVs commanded 10.7 percent of the market in the EU.Audi e-tron GT.audiStill, the growth for BEVs has not been achieved equally across all the EU countries, with the Netherlands seeing a 90.1 percent gain, with Germany and France in second and third places with 64.4 and 52.0 percent gains, respectively.More about TeslasGasoline Power Down to a Third of the MarketOverall, gas-engined models in Europe still lead the pack with 36.3 percent market share, while hybrids are in second place with 24.3 percent of the market.Another trend worth noting is that plug-in hybrids in some individual EU markets have actually declined over the past year, by as much as 39.2 percent in Germany. Elsewhere PHEVs have seen dramatic gains, such as in Spain, where their market share has grown by 51.7 percent.Europe-market Škoda Octavia RS Diesel.ŠKODA AutoDiesel BansBut is this solely a reflection of battery-electric models’ popularity, or more a consequence of the regulatory war against diesels?In the past few years a number of large cities in Europe have experimented with bans on diesel models, keeping them out of city centers, ahead of a union-wide target for zero-emission car sales by 2035, adopted by the European Parliament earlier this year. Also hindering demand for diesel was Volkswagen’s own crisis, now nearly a decade old, that also affected brands such as Audi, Skoda, and SEAT.Still, it’s too early to completely write off diesel models in Europe.Diesel MemoriesFor one thing, despite an overall decline diesels have actually gained traction in some stand-alone countries such as Romania, where they saw a 22.4 percent gain last month, as well as Germany. We wouldn’t doubt diesel’s ongoing popularity in a number of smaller Eastern European markets either, whether inside or outside the EU.When it comes to battery-electric vehicles, another curious dynamic worth noting is that a number of popular EVs aren’t even produced by European automakers. Tesla’s Model Y has been the overall bestseller in any category in the first six months of 2023, easily dominating the BEV market, and a number of China-made EVs are currently on sale as well. Neither trend is something that many market analysts had seen coming just a few years ago. Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. Despite being followed around by French cars for the past decade, he has somehow been able to avoid Citroën ownership, judging them too commonplace, and is currently looking at cars from the former Czechoslovakia. Jay has been with Autoweek since 2013.  More

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      Triumph 400 Maintenance Will Be Lower Than Royal Enfield 350 – Bajaj

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      Triumph Speed 400 maintenance and engine service intervalWhen compared to Royal Enfield, Triumph Speed 400 maintenance promises to be lower – less frequent services as wellBajaj-Triumph duo has launched their first motorcycle, Speed 400 in India. Since this duo announced pricing of Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-sh), Speed 400 has garnered much interest. It offers twice as much power and a plethora of features and equipment more than Royal Enfield’s J-Series 350cc lineup. All this when it costs only Rs. 8,000 more than the most expensive 350cc RE.So what is the catch? Is the service / spares going to be expensive? Well in that case too Bajaj says the Triumph 400 will beat Royal Enfield. Bajaj-Triumph is claiming 10,000 miles service interval. Which translates to 16,093 km mileage within the life of the oil span. If one’s mileage is not 16,000 km a year, recommended oil change is once a year. Whichever is early. Triumph India is offering a 2 year or unlimited kilometer mileage warranty as well.New Triumph Speed 400Triumph Speed 400 Service and MaintenanceNot just that, Triumph even announced that Speed 400 maintenance will cost less than Royal Enfield’s. This is even more of a shocker as premium brands usually have higher service costs associated with it. Triumph seems to be charging according to the vehicle’s segment and not the brand.With its 350cc lineup, Royal Enfield offers a 10,000 km service interval for oil change and a 5,000 km service interval for trivial stuff like lubing and general checkups. Or once a year, whichever is early. For every 10,000 km service, Royal Enfield will charge roughly between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 2,700 depending on motorcycle. Oil quantity is around 2.5L.New Triumph Speed 400How is Triumph doing this?The 10,000 mile service interval is in line with Triumph’s global portfolio. But India sustains higher temperatures and is generally a lot dusty than Triumph’s home turf, UK. That said, this product is co-developed by Bajaj, an Indian manufacturer. So, there should be logical reasoning behind this 16,093 km service interval.Company didn’t specify how much oil Speed 400 takes and oil’s config. But Bajaj-Triumph mentions that they have worked with certain oil manufacturers to facilitate this high service interval. Speed 400’s closest big bike from Triumph is Speed 900 and it boasts 16,093 km service interval too. But with around 3.3L to 3.5L oil.KTM’s 390 range is comparable to Speed 400 in terms of displacement, size, compression ratio, performance and other attributes. 390 range takes just 1.6L of oil and can travel 7,500 km before an oil change. General thumb rule is that more oil will take the vehicle longer before an oil change.A low-compression engine like the 3.0L Dicor from Tata Motors can go 25,000 km on an oil change. But it takes 6L of oil. So, it is likely that Triumph 400 is using more oil (probably fully synthetic) than other motorcycles in the segment, to achieve this incredible 16,093 km service interval. All the while, promising less service cost than Royal Enfield 350cc rival over a period of 3 years. More

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      KTM Sales, Exports June 2023 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

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      KTM India Sales June 2023KTM India has posted YoY and MoM growth in June 2023 with the Duke 200 and RC 200 being its best-sellerKTM India has seen good demand in June 2023. Domestic sales improved both on YoY and MoM basis while exports dipped YoY but increased MoM thus taking total sales higher on both counts. KTM currently has the Duke 125, RC 125, Duke 200, RC 200, Duke 250, ADV 250, Duke 390, RC 390 and ADV 390 in its product portfolio. Each of these models contributed in a big way to total sales in June 2023.In domestic markets, sales in June 2023 stood at 5,765 units, up 323.90 percent over 1,360 units sold in June 2022. This related to a 4,405 unit volume growth. MoM sales also improved by 12.66 percent from 5,117 units sold in May 2023.KTM Domestic Sales June 2023It was the KTM 200 (Duke and RC) that topped the list with 2,723 units sold last month, up 255.02 percent over 767 units sold in June 2022 to command a 47.23 percent share on this list. MoM sales were higher by 17.17 percent from 2,324 units sold in May 2023. At No. 2 was the KTM 390 range with 1,405 units sold last month, up 276 percent from 374 units sold in June 2022. Sales in May had stood at 1,117 units relating to a 25.78 percent MoM growth.KTM 250 has posted YoY growth of 524.31 percent to 1,361 units, up from 218 units sold in June 2022 while MoM sales dipped 1.66 percent from 1,384 units sold in May 2023. Of the KTM 125 range, sales improved significantly by 27500 percent YoY to 276 units from just 1 unit sold in June 2022 while MoM sales dipped 5.48 percent over 292 units sold in May 2023.KTM Domestic Sales June 2023KTM Exports June 2023Even as KTM exports dipped 7.63 percent YoY, there was a 38.45 percent MoM growth. Exports stood at 5,444 units in June 2023, down from 5,894 units sold in June 2022 relating to a 450 unit volume de-growth. MoM sales performance improved from 3,932 units exported in May 2023.KTM Exports June 2023In export markets it was the KTM 390 that saw maximum demand. Sales stood at 2,623 units in the past month, up 11.43 percent from 2,354 units shipped in June 2022. MoM sales also grew by 138.67 percent from 1,099 units exported in May 2023. KTM 390 currently commands a 48.18 percent share in the company’s export lineup.KTM 200 exports also grew by 17.84 percent to 1,968 units in June 2023, up from 1,670 units shipped in June 2023. There was however, a MoM decline in exports by 10.14 percent from 2,190 units exported in May 2023. There were also 480 units of KTM 125 and 373 units of KTM 250 exported last month with the KTM 250 posting a 73.17 percent YoY decline. MoM exports grew for the KTM 125 by 168.16 percent but dipped in the case of KTM 250 by 19.61 percent.KTM India Total June 2023Total KTM Sales June 2023Taking into account total sales (domestic + exports), KTM has seen YoY and MoM growth to 11,209 units in June 2023. This was a 54.52 percent YoY growth from 7,254 units sold in June 2023 while MoM sales improved by 23.87 percent over 9,049 units sold in May 2023.Every model in the company lineup has seen growth in total sales on YoY basis with the 200 seeing a 92.49 percent growth from 2,437 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales improved by 3.92 percent from 4,514 units sold in May 2023. KTM 390 sales were at 4,028 units up 47.65 percent YoY and 81.77 percent MoM while sales of KTM 250 grew 7.84 percent YoY to 1,734 units but fell 6.17 percent MoM. Sales growth on YoY and MoM basis improved by 57.17 percent and 60.51 percent respectively for the KTM 125 of which the company sold 756 units in June 2023. More

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      Hero MotoCorp Trademarks Nightster 440 – Next Harley For India?

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      Hero MotoCorp trademarks Nightster 440 nameBased on the new 440cc platform, Harley-Davidson Nightster 440 will borrow design cues from the larger capacity 975cc Nightster motorcycleHero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson recently launched the X440 motorcycle at a starting price of Rs 2.29 lakh. It was expected that the new single-cylinder platform would spawn multiple new models in the future. It will soon become a reality, with the Nightster 440 name trademarked by Hero MotoCorp.Hero Nightster 440 is expected to be positioned below the X440 in the company’s lineup. Being affordable, the bike can work as a viable alternative to Royal Enfield’s 350cc motorcycles. It will also challenge Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X.Design to be inspired from Harley Davidson NightsterHarley-Davidson Nightster 440 featuresAs compared to X440 that has a relaxed riding stance, Nightster 440 will have a sporty, forward riding position. With a scooped rider seat, the bike will have a lower centre of gravity. Other key highlights will include round headlamp, round bar-end mirrors, wide handlebar, a single circular instrument pod, minimalistic control buttons, sleek fuel tank, exposed twin shock absorbers at rear and broad rear fender. Nightster 440 could get a quirky exhaust pipe, similar to that of its larger capacity sibling.Nightster 440 is expected to get colour options in both matte and glossy finish. While the bike’s design can support both options, matte shades are likely to come across as more appealing. For reference, the X440 has colour options of Mustard Denim, Dark Silver, Thick Red and Matte Black. Nightster 975 has colour options of Vivid Black and Redline Red. Colour options for upcoming Nightster 440 are likely to have black and grey shades.Hero MotoCorp trademarks Nightster 440 nameFinalizing the colour options for Nightster 400 could be a bit challenging. That’s because the design has to seamlessly merge elements from both the larger capacity Nightster and the new single-cylinder platform. While the sporty bobber design looks droolworthy with a V-twin, it’s not certain how likable it will be with a single-cylinder setup.Harley-Davidson Nightster 440 performance, specsUpcoming Harley Nightster 440 will borrow much of its hardware from X440. There’s the 440cc, single cylinder, air-oil cooled engine that generates 27 bhp of peak power and 38 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Rated fuel efficiency is 35 kmpl, as per WMTC carbon balancing cycle testing method.While Harley-Davidson’s 440cc single-cylinder setup has better numbers than Royal Enfield’s 350cc bikes, it falls short of Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. Triumph’s 398.15 cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine generates 40 PS and 37.5 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.In terms of hardware, Harley Nightster 440 could get conventional telescopic forks at front. This is the case with the larger capacity Nightster 975. In comparison, the X440 has 43mm KYB USD forks. Nightster will be getting options for both wire-spoke wheels and alloy wheels, as is the case with X440. Braking setup will be the same, 320 mm and 240 mm disc at front and rear, respectively. More

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      BMW Exploring Ways to Make M-Badged EVs Provide More Feedback

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      BMW is exploring ways to make its future electric M cars provide more driver feedback, according to the Australian website WhichCar.com.In an interview with the website, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said he likes features such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s simulated gearchanges.For its first full-blown M-badged EV, BMW is also said to be considering other sensory stimuli such as using sounds or vibrations for feedback.BMW wants its future M-badged electric vehicles to feel more like their internal-combustion counterparts. That’s because it believes driving EVs on a racetrack requires more sensory feedback than most electric cars currently offer, specifically performance-focused models.The exception is the recently revealed 641-hp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which can simulate gearchanges and mimic the sound of a turbocharged four-cylinder. While some people might think such features are gimmicks, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel likes the way Hyundai thinks. He also told WhichCar.com—an Australian automotive website—that BMW is exploring similar ideas to make its first full-blown electric M car deliver more driver feedback. While we’re still awaiting word on what exactly that future M-badged EV will be, BMW has already revealed that it’s testing a quad-motor prototype using a widebody i4 (pictured above) as the test mule. With a motor at each wheel, the German automaker has said it can more precisely control power delivery and instantly send torque to individual wheels. BMWThat’s not something any gas-powered vehicle can do, but those electric motors also can’t convey the same sense of speed that ICE performance cars can either, and van Meel believes that feedback is critical on a racetrack. He told WhichCar.com, “… if you’re driving in an electric car with just one gear, making some kind of sound over seven octaves, you don’t know if you’re in the middle [of the revs] and if that’s the equal to 145km/h or wherever you are. So that actually will not work. And we need a solution for that.”Along with possibly simulating gearchanges like with Hyundai’s N e-shift, the solutions that BMW is said to be considering deal with using acoustic cues or vibrations to provide driver feedback. How those vibrations will be created and whether those sounds will replicate an E90 M3’s high-revving V-8 or one of the brand’s great straight-sixes remains to be seen. For now, all we know is that BMW doesn’t appear to be satisfied with the current state of EV performance cars, and we’re eager to see how they will address it down the road.BMW M EV Performance CarsThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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      Bring a Trailer Bust-Up! Window Shopping Hits the Auctions

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      This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Sometimes it’s tough to tell if, as journalists, we have our collective finger on the pulse of automotive enthusiasm or if, as employees of Car and Driver and Road & Track, we’re just hearing our own heartbeats. On this episode of Window Shop with Car and Driver, it’s both.Bring a Trailer (BaT), which is part of the Hearst Autos family, is the foremost online auction site for people who love interesting and unique cars and have the wherewithal to outbid strangers on the internet. Battle it out over a perfect 1996 Ford Contour or a 2005 Acura NSX; the site has it all. In this episode of Window Shopping, we’re challenged to find our favorite cars recently sold on BaT for less than $50,000. We were supposed to consider future value, condition, if the car was a good buy, and, of course, fun. Not all of us read the brief. All participants contributed to the proceedings with choices that perfectly align with their character, or lack of. So one of them chose an Opel, another took an Alfa, a BMW was also tapped, and then there was a Ford. There was a fifth one too, but don’t sweat that. It didn’t win. Join Commissar-in-Chief Tony Quiroga, Power-behind-the-Throne K.C. Colwell, Aspirational-Bringer-of-Light Elana Scherr, Beloved-Icon-Who-May-Be-CIA Jonathon Ramsey, and Some Guy recording from his son’s bedroom, as they fuss and fight on a Zoom call. There will be another episode after this one. Probably in the future. Feel free to go to the Bring a Trailer website and search through the completed listings; post in the comments below if you find something better. Post on YouTube too, because the algorithm likes it when you do. Much More Window ShoppingSenior EditorJohn Pearley Huffman has been writing about cars since 1990 and is getting okay at it. Besides Car and Driver, his work has appeared in the New York Times and more than 100 automotive publications and websites. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he still lives near that campus with his wife and two children. He owns a pair of Toyota Tundras and two Siberian huskies. He used to have a Nova and a Camaro. More